We had a very exciting week planned since the last time I wrote to you all...
On Thursday just gone, I had a meeting booked in with MK College with regards to providing work experience for the performing arts students that are studying there. The college approached me a few weeks ago and we were to discuss further how the students could become involved with the classes themselves, assisting with younger pupils, the daily running of a dance school and behind the scenes at our upcoming shows and event days.
I also had a meeting with two of the lead members of the Association of Russian Ballet & Theatre Arts (ARBTA): Tamara Vile (General Secretary & Education Officer) and Gypsy Vile (President of Association & Executive Examiner). Attitude has been a member of ARBTA for over 15 years and I personally have been taking my own exams with the Association for 25 years. Last week, I was invited to become an examiner with ARBTA to which I am truly delighted and thankful to their examining committee.
Finally, today we were very much looking forward to our Dance4all session at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Miss Jess and Miss Emily were due to lead a free inclusive workshop there with the hope of being able to regularly provide these lessons and broaden our accessibility for everyone, no matter what their requirements.
However, as you are well aware we have been forced into shutdown and it is with great sadness that we have either not been able to deliver or move forward with any of these plans. As well as this, we are all very anxious with regards to our upcoming show, but are remaining positive that we will do the best we can with whatever circumstances we are left with in May. We are continuing at the moment as if the show will go ahead as planned because there simply is not any definitive advice or information about what is going to be happening after April 30th. We are hopeful that the worst case scenario would result in postponement, but we really have no idea at this moment in time. We will obviously continue to communicate with you on this issue.
For now, the most important thing is that everybody stays healthy and safe. We are trying to help by delivering regular online tutorials, classes or ideas of all different levels and genres so that the children have something to do whilst they are at home, but also so everyone involved with the school and further, no matter what age or ability can take what they want from the recordings to help they keep fit and active during this difficult time. It is so important to keep active for mental as well as physical wellbeing and we hope that we are helping in some small way.
We would love to hear any feedback you have in relation to our online videos, if you have requests, or if you have any home videos of your younger ones practising. We have already received some mentions on instagram of people that have been taking part in some of the fitness videos e.g. tone, flow and pilates and it would be great to see more.
We hope that you are all keeping safe and positive and most of all #keepondancing
